By Jennie Germain

Paramount Theatre Executive Director

The Great Depression had a dramatic impact on America’s culture.

For example, it brought atmospheric theaters like the Paramount Theatre to the United States to help people escape their daily lives, and also resulted in the end of Prohibition.

Tales of this temperance movement will come alive at the Paramount Theatre at 7 p.m. this Thursday with The Rose Ensemble’s presentation of “Songs of Temperance and Temptation: 100 Years of Restraint and Revelry in Minnesota.”

This performance, featuring special guests Maria Jette as the narrator and Dan Chouinard on the piano and accordion, and will explore the history and humor behind Minnesota’s long-standing love/hate relationship with adult beverages.

Based in St. Paul, The Rose Ensemble is committed to preserving and performing early music by bringing it to modern audiences, offering them fresh perspectives on history, languages, politics, religion and world cultures and traditions. Semi-staged and fully costumed, this is a research-rich yet light-hearted performance.

It features the songs and stories of Carrie Nation, an outspoken member of the temperance movement who famously promoted her views through vandalism, and 19th-century Temperance Union meetings.

Projections of historical photos and narration from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby will complement the show.

Audiences will enjoy the variety of music including Victorian waltzes, 1920s jazz, Irish reels, ragtime, gospel, and some of Irving Berlin’s best show-stoppers.

Tickets can be purchased at their website www.roseensemble.org or by calling 651-225-4340.

Don’t forget, the Austin Area Commission for the Arts is still accepting designs for the logo competition.

Send designs to info@paramounttheatre.org or drop them off at the Paramount Theatre. Voting will occur at the Christmas in the City event on Friday, November 25.